RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06953687

Shared Decision Making in PTSD Treatment

Implementing and Evaluating a Patient-Centered PTSD Treatment Program for Military Personnel

Sponsor

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

May 9, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Summary

The purpose of this research study is to learn about how Shared Decision Making, when used to decide treatment, impacts treatment engagement, retention, and outcomes for active duty military personnel seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Shared Decision Making between the service member and the therapists will be used to match patients to 1 of 3 different types of therapy for PTSD: (1) Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, (2) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or (3) Written Exposure Therapy (WET) in 1 of 2 different frequencies: (1) massed (daily) or (2) spaced (weekly).

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether involving active-duty military service members in choosing their own PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) treatment leads to better outcomes. Researchers want to know if "shared decision making" — where patients and providers collaborate on the treatment plan — improves recovery compared to treatment assigned without that input. **You may be eligible if...** - You are an active-duty military service member aged 18 or older - You have been formally diagnosed with PTSD based on a structured clinical interview **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are in immediate danger of harming yourself or others and need urgent intervention - You have a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury - You have severe alcohol use disorder requiring immediate treatment - You are currently experiencing active psychosis or a manic episode Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALProlonged Exposure Therapy

PE is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PTSD that is typically delivered in ten 90-minute sessions . For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. Based on emotional processing theory PE addresses trauma-related avoidance of thoughts, behaviors, and situations, as well as unhelpful beliefs about oneself, others, and the world that were learned as a result of trauma.

BEHAVIORALCognitive Processing Therapy

CPT is a 12-session, cognitive behavioral PTSD treatment typically delivered in 60-minute sessions that can be personalized to include fewer or additional sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 24 sessions. CPT is based in cognitive theory and posits that impeded recovery following trauma occurs due to unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs that may develop after trauma, leading to chronic anger, guilt, shame, and avoidance of trauma reminders. During CPT, patients learn about PTSD symptoms, impeded recovery and cognitive theory, and the connection between trauma-based thoughts and feelings.

BEHAVIORALWritten Exposure Therapy

WET is a cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD that typically consists of 5 weekly 50-minute sessions. For the current study using a variable length approach, participants may complete up to 7 sessions. WET is based on an extinction and emotional processing treatment model. First, patients learn about PTSD and the role of avoidance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Next, patients are guided to write about their trauma for 30 minutes and afterwards, the therapist briefly checks in with the patient. This procedure is followed for the next 4 sessions, with guidance to first write about the trauma, and in later sessions to write about consequences of the trauma and the patient's current meaning of their lives. The goals of WET are to assist the patient in emotionally processing the event and reduce avoidance of trauma-related thoughts and memories, which facilities recovery.

OTHERShared Decision Making (SHARE)

The study will use the SHARE Approach to facilitate treatment planning and decision-making. SHARE stands for: 1. Seek the patient's participation 2. Help the patient explore and compare treatment options 3. Assess the patient's values and preferences 4. Reach a decision with the patient 5. Evaluate the patient's decision The Shared Decision Making Patient Preference Checklist will be used to determine the participant's preference for type of treatment, frequency of treatment sessions, and treatment delivery modality. Step 5 also includes following up with the patient and making changes if something it not working well for the patient.